Social Democrats Could Govern Without Liberals
The Social Democratic Party could govern without the Liberal Party if conservatives would break their partnership with liberals and side with social democrats.
The Social Democratic Party has gained several members who have left the PPDD party and social liberals have several options of staying in power without liberals.
The safest way would be to form an alliance with UDMR and conservatives, the latter of which have frozen their relations with liberals. Such an alliance would ensure social democrats a comfortable majority both in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
In the Chamber of Deputies, social democrats have 167 members and would require 204 to gain majority. UDMR’s 18 MPs and 18 others from the Conservative Party puts social democrats just one MP short of a majority. Social democrats are already negotiating with an unaffiliated MP and a new majority is expected to be made official later this week. (Adevarul)
Dan Diaconescu Threatens To Sue MPs Who Left His Party
PPDD founder Dan Diaconescu told a news conference Monday he is suing the 27 lawmakers who left his party.
Diaconescu said he requires damage claims of EUR2 million from each lawmaker, as per a clause in the contract they signed before the election campaign. (Gandul)
Romanian CFR Marfa Sale Fails
The privatization of state-owned railway freight carrier CFR Marfa has failed because the privatization committee and Grup Feroviar Roman (GFR) could not reach an agreement on Monday, October 14, when the deadline for the completion of the sale expired, people close to the talks said.
The privatization committee said the transaction cannot be carried through because the suspensive conditions regarding the transfer of shares were not met, the same sources said. The conditions are stipulated in the government decision regarding CFR Marfa sale.
Romania’s government did not extend the privatization deadline of CFR Marfa in Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting last week. (Evenimentul Zilei)
Romanian Healthcare Workers On Go-Slow Strike
Romanian healthcare employees are on go-slow strike Monday through Wednesday.
Health Minister Eugen Nicolaescu said Monday doctors who decided to go on strike either don’t listen or don’t care that talks with the ministry are ongoing.
“Some of the doctors who made this decision either don’t listen or don’t take into consideration what we have to say. Everyone is free to act as they see fit. We are doing are duty and are seeking solutions, regardless of their pressures,” said Nicolaescu at the Mediafax Talks about Health Reform conference. (Curentul)
Cancer Cost The EU EUR126B in 2009
Cancer cost the European Union’s 27 member states some EUR126 billion in 2009, and Romania ranks last by spending.
Researchers at Oxford University have attempted to quantify the economic toll of cancer in the EU, considering costs on the healthcare system, loss of income from inability to work, and free caretaking provided by patients’ friends and families. (Curentul)